Running a
small business can sometimes leave you wondering what you have to do to get
customers through the door. Marketing your businesses effectively is a
difficult and specialist task, and not everyone has the extra time or resources
it demands. But by setting just a few hours aside to plan, you can develop your
own advertising strategy. Here are five simple and cost-effective ways to
advertise your business and get new customers through the door.
Be Vocal
Word of
mouth is a great advertising tool, and your mouth counts too. Make sure you
mention your business when talking to people or visiting suppliers, or even
just getting coffee on a break. The more people know about your business, the
more people are going to use it. Find ways to bring your business into the
conversation when interacting with just about anyone. People like to talk, so
why not get the conversation started?
Be Visible
Some
businesses make the mistake of having poor signage on their storefront. If it
is possible for someone to look for your business and walk right past it, you
are probably doing something wrong. It is also important, however, to not go
too far in the other direction. Garish and loud color schemes will often deter a
passer-by and not welcome them in. Find a way to be subtle but effective.
Use Social Media
Since its
beginnings just a few years ago, social media has now blossomed into an
excellent advertising tool. You can advertise your business and give yourself a
web-presence on sites like Facebook, and if videos and pictures help
sell your product then YouTube and Instagram are two perfect advertising venues
for your business. If you go viral, you can sit back and let the customers come
to you.
Hire a Specialist
Getting
help from an advertising firm is not as expensive as it once was. There are
many firms eager to work with small businesses to help refine their style and
strategies. If you can find an advertising firm that offers the latest online marketing
methods, and a history of successful advertising campaigns, you may find the
right specialist help at a reasonable price.
Sponsor a Local Event
A great way
to get known in your neighborhood quickly is to sponsor a local event or
exhibition. If you can personally represent your company there, all the better.
Even if your company doesn’t have a product to offer at an event, if you are an
accountant, for instance, you could hire a small food cart to serve refreshments
on your behalf or run a balloon stand with your company’s brand and location
incorporated into the design.
There are
many ways to advertise a small business, but it can be difficult to find the
right approach without help or guidance. With these simple ideas, you can take
the initiative yourself and start reaching out to potential customers with your
own advertising and marketing strategies.
